Tips for Seniors on How to Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment has been at it's highest for several months now, and even seniors are battling the effects of our countries financial downfalls. In some cases, filing for unemployment may be a first for seniors, especially those who have been in the work force most of their lives. Here, seniors will find tips on how to apply for unemployment benefits.

File Unemployment Right Away

Seniors need to know that you must file for unemployment benefits right away. If you wait to file benefits, you may lose weeks you could have claim. Once you are informed of your dismiss of employment, regardless of being fired or laid off, contact your states unemployment office no later than that following Sunday. If your state requires a waiting week, that first week will not be paid.

Stay Informed

Since the government has been changing the amount of weeks a person can claim unemployment benefits, you should stay informed at all times. Like Ohio, their online website keeps workers informed of their rights and changes that the government has made on a timely basis. More weeks of benefits have been added over the past several months by the government, and people are asked to continue applying for benefits if they are still eligible, so that if new weeks are added, you will be reimbursed for the weeks claimed. You can view the Ohio Unemployment website at unemployment.ohio.gov.

Make Sure You Fill Out Your Forms Accurately

You must make sure that you have filled out all your forms accurately. This may cause a delay in receiving your benefits, and may also cause you to become frustrated. If you do not fill out your forms accurately you will have to contact your unemployment agency by phone, which may leave you on hold for several minutes if not hours. Make sure you only claim the weeks you are entitled to. Failure to do so may cause an overpayment that you will be required to pay back, and can be deducted from other government payments such as income tax refunds. This may also cause you to be unable to apply for benefits again until all over payments have been paid back. If you return to work, you can not claim that week even if you do not get paid by your company that week. Some states let you apply for benefits if you work less than 20 hours a week, but will lower your unemployment benefit payments.

Filing Your Claims Online

Your state should have an unemployment website. Applying for your benefits online is easier and faster. If you have Internet access at home, you can file your claim without having to leave your home. If you need help using the Internet, ask someone for help. Once you have created an account and accessed the website for your state, you can add the site to your favorites list, so that you can just click it anytime you need it. If you do not have access to Internet at home, using the local library is another option. You can get help from your librarian or assistants to help you get where you need to go. If you still can not figure out how to use the Internet access, then call the free number for your states unemployment office. You can call information through your phone, look in your local phone book, or call one of your county offices who may be able to give you the correct phone number.